CHAPTER IV. Chapters of Canons

Can.503 A chapter of canons, whether cathedral or collegial, is a college of priests which performs more solemn

liturgical functions in a cathedral or collegial church. In addition, it is for the cathedral chapter to fulfill the

functions which the law or the diocesan bishop entrusts to it.

Can.504 The erection, alteration, or suppression of a cathedral chapter is reserved to the Apostolic See.

Can.505 Each and every chapter, whether cathedral or collegial, is to have its own statutes, drawn up through a

legitimate capitular act and approved by the diocesan bishop. These statutes are neither to be changed nor

abrogated except with the approval of the same diocesan bishop.

Can.506 §1. The statutes of a chapter are to determine the constitution of the chapter and the number of canons,

always without prejudice to the laws of its foundation. They are to define those things which the chapter and

individual canons are to do in the performance of divine worship and ministry. They are to determine the meetings

in which the affairs of the chapter are handled and establish the conditions required for the validity and liceity of

those affairs, without prejudice to the prescripts of universal law.

§2. The statutes are also to define the compensation, whether stable or to be given on the occasion of the

performance of some function, and, attentive to the norms issued by the Holy See, the insignia of the canons.

Can.507 §1. One of the canons is to preside offer the chapter; other offices are also to be constituted according to

the norm of the statutes, after the practice prevailing in the region has been taken into consideration.

§2. Other offices can be entrusted to clerics who do not belong to the chapter; through these offices they assist

the canons according to the norm of the statutes.

Can.508 §1. By virtue of office, the canon penitentiary of a cathedral church and of a collegial church has the

ordinary faculty, which he cannot delegate to others, of absolving in the sacramental forum outsiders within the

diocese and members of the diocese even outside the territory of the diocese from undeclared latae sentential

censures not reserved to the Apostolic See.

§2. Where there is no chapter, the diocesan bishop is to appoint a priest to fulfill the same function.

Can.509 §1. After having heard the chapter, it is for the diocesan bishop, but not a diocesan administrator, to confer

each and every canonry, both in a cathedral church and in a collegial church; every contrary privilege is revoked.

It is for the same bishop to confirm the person elected by the chapter to preside offer it.

§2. A diocesan bishop is to confer canonries only upon priests outstanding in doctrine and integrity of life, who

have laudably exercised the ministry.

Can.510 §1. Parishes are no longer to be joined to a chapter of canons; the diocesan bishop is to separate from a

chapter those parishes which are united to it.

§2. In a church which is at the same time parochial and capitular, a pastor is to be designated, whether chosen

from among the members of the chapter or not. This pastor is bound by all the duties and possesses the rights and

faculties which are proper to a pastor according to the norm of law.

§3. It is for the diocesan bishop to establish definite norms which fittingly integrate the pastoral duties of the

pastor and the functions proper to the chapter, taking care that the pastor is not a hindrance to capitular functions

nor the chapter to parochial functions. The diocesan bishop, who above all is to take care that the pastoral needs

of the faithful are aptly provided for, is to resolve conflicts if they occur.

§4. Alms given to a church which is at the same time parochial and capitular are presumed given to the parish

unless it is otherwise evident.